National Menorah to be lit in DC for Hanukkah

WASHINGTON – A special lighting ceremony is planned for the National Hanukkah Menorah near the White House on the first night of the eight-day Jewish holiday.

On Tuesday, Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew will be a special guest to help light the menorah on the Ellipse. The lighting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Organizers say thousands of people are scheduled to attend. "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band will perform.

The national menorah lighting dates to 1979 when Jimmy Carter was president. President Ronald Reagan dubbed it the "National Menorah."

Free tickets are available online. Those who attend will get hot Hanukkah latkes and doughnuts. Free personal menorah kits will also be distributed.